The roar of the crowd is almost loud enough to drown out the nerves of the fourteen varsity athletes about to step out on the mat to win it all. On February 3rd, hundreds of people came to support Davie’s wrestlers at the Greensboro Coliseum in the electrifying final championship duel for the state title, screaming and waving cowbells. It’s not easy for a team to live up to its pre-season hype, but the War Eagles have broken the ceiling and exceeded it this year. 

As prepared as they were, the air was still thick with anticipation, especially right before senior athlete Hunter Testa’s match. “Everything was pretty tense,” he comments, “We were still very nervous.” 

However, even with so much on the line, the varsity athletes were able to focus and give their all for six minutes and ended up beating Laney 31-25 and winning the NCHSAA 4A dual-team wrestling state championship. It came down to the final two bouts, but Davie’s Christian Boswell defeated Laney’s Kaeden Smith 10-8 in a sudden victory, winning the 190-pound weight class. The six-point advantage was due to Hunter Testa, who pinned Holden Walker in the 175-pound weight class. Testa was later named the MVP of the state championship.

These crowd-inspiring wins marked the War Eagles’ first trip back to the finals since 2008 and their first Dual Team Wrestling State Championship title since 2006.

Time and time again this year, Davie’s wrestling team made history. The 2023-24 season was one of triumph for Davie’s men’s wrestling team, unfolding with intense competition and remarkable performances across all weight classes. Every athlete showcased their skills, determination, and resilience, making it a memorable season for fans and participants alike. Davie engaged in fierce dual meets, tournaments, and championships—each match contributing to the overall victorious narrative of the season. The war eagles walked away with team wins at state individuals, Gate City Grapple, and the revered Buddy Lowery tournament Outstanding individual accomplishments were highlighted by standout wrestlers achieving milestones, breaking records, and earning accolades for their dedication to the sport.

 Coaches played a pivotal role in guiding their teams, refining techniques, and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship.  Head Coach Josh Stanley claims that “Winning a state title creates a lot of excitement in the community,” meaning new athletes will be buzzing with excitement to join such an elite team. As the new head of the department, he demanded greatness in the rest of his ranks. Isaiah Whitley graduated Davie with 121 career victories, and Jordan Nolan and Caleb Spurling were each three-time state champions. Besides the elite coaches behind them, the stands were also full of support for the wrestlers. As intimidating as the crowd may have seemed, the team was able to channel that support into positive energy. 

The collective journey of teams and individuals throughout the season culminated in championship events where the results of their hard work and commitment were on full display. 

The wrestling season provided moments of triumph, heartbreak, and camaraderie, leaving a lasting impression on all involved in this physically demanding and emotionally charged sport.

Dual Team Wrestling State Championship Match Results:

285 – Ryder Strickland (Davie) over Michael Williams (Laney) Dec 3-2

106 – Ayden Arrington (Laney) over Stephen Jacobs (Davie) Fall 3:52

113 – Leighton Reavis (Davie) over Jack Williams (Laney) Dec 14-7

120 – Aidan Szewczyk (Davie) over Kingston Neal (Laney) Dec 8-2

126 – Tiaj Thao (Davie) over Samuel McQueen (Laney) Fall 1:48

132 – Cayden Glass (Davie) over Eli Thomas (Laney) Dec 11-4

138 – Andrew Davis (Davie) over Tyler Buonocore (Laney) Maj 13-5

145 – Isaiah Wysong (Laney) over Brett Foster (Davie) Fall 4:29

152 – Tristan Cotto (Laney) over Elliot Gould (Davie) Maj 12-4

160 – Marquise Kelly (Laney) over Jerred Alexander (Davie) Dec 10-4

170 – Mac Kopelman (Laney) over Maddox Creason (Davie) Dec 8-2

182 – Hunter Testa (Davie) over Holden Walker (Laney) Fall 2:35

195 – Christian Boswell (Davie) over Kaeden Smith (Laney) SV-1 10-8

220 – Mason Blue (Laney) over Brysen Godbey (Davie) Dec 5-0